SUMP/Refugium Build HELP!

[Hungriee]

I've been planning my sump build for awhile. The sump/refug will be a 20G long tank. I plan on using this sump for my current DT which is a 37G tank. I will be upgrading in the future to a 75G-180G tank, depending on the space i have in the house.

For now I have gathered a bunch of equip for the sump. So far, I'll be using an Aquamedic Turboflotor Multi SL protein skimmer which uses the Ocean Runner pump, and the return pump will be an Eheim 1260.

The first chamber will be about 10 Long by 12" wide by 9"H (this is where the intake is and mostly mech filtration / skimmer) the next 10" by 12" W x 9"H will be my refugium (w/ a DSB and Chaeto Algae). After the fuge, there will be 3" of space allocated for a bubble trap using three baffles (using 1/4" Glass Baffles), then the remaining 7"L x 12"W x 9"H will be for my return pump (which will house the Eheim 1260).

I will be using an Overflow Box for my current 37G DT. The tank isn't drilled but for my future tank I will be havign it reef ready. The Overflow box I got is a Lifereef Overflow Box (600GPH). The Bulkhead is 1" so I plan on buying the following:

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...s~vendor~.html

which will be used as an intake tube from teh overflow to the first chamber and also used to return from 3rd chamber back to the tank.

I will like to add a check valve ( not sure the diff b/twn a Swing Check and a True Check Valve) between the return tubing.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...s~vendor~.html

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...s~vendor~.html

Last item is to put in Ball Valves or Gate Valves (not sure which one) to control/stop flow, and where to place these valves to effectively control flow.

Will any unions be necessary for easy equipment access? If so, where will it best be placed?

 

[crvz]

unions are great, I add them everywhere convenient and justified. Hard to say in your case without drawing out the plumbing to get a better visualization. Another thing I'd really reconsider is the check valve. If you're relying on it, I'd think again. Find a way to have confidence in the overflow and return plumbing such that you don't have to worry about a back-siphon. Too much risk of a check valve failing over time due to salt creep/snails/wear.

 

[REEFFER MADNESS]

I installed my unions 2" down from my HOB overflow bulkheads and used pvc spa flex pipe to route my supplies. This way I can remove my lines in one piece if I have to service my overflow. I put my ball valves after my unions to adjust water flow if needed. Start with hard pipe and end with flex to the sump. I made my own sump based on Melves's (SP?) Reef model "F". Marc's website is extremely helpful for sump ideas. Just make sure your skimmer will fit in your sump compartment with room to take it out to clean it, etc.

 

[checkx1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13314258#post13314258 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by REEFFER MADNESS
Melves's (SP?) Reef model "F". Marc's website is extremely helpful for sump ideas.

x2
melevsreef.com